DTI, Google to Empower MSMEs and Jobseekers to be Digitally Ready

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Google Philippines announced their collaboration to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and jobseekers to be more digitally adept in a US Trade Mission meeting last March 11, 2024, held in Malacañang.

DTI Secretary Fred Pascual expressed his appreciation of the partnership with Google and said that DTIs Negosyo Centers nationwide can help reach more Filipinos.

“We already built a strong partnership with Google, and we are pleased that through our Negosyo Centers nationwide, we can leverage these online courses to reach more stakeholders across the country,” Pascual said.

He also emphasized that upskilling businesses and the job forces is crucial to be more competitive during this digital age.

“Whether you are a micro, small, and medium enterprise, an owner or employee, or any individual who seeks a more significant job opportunity, today’s success requires 21st-century skills,” Pascual said.

Google Philippines, and its partners, have previously awarded over 40,000 scholarships. These scholarships focus on enhancing digital proficiency in areas such as cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, and digital marketing.

In this latest initiative, DTI and Google Philippines are set to expand the reach of Google Career Certificates (GCC) through virtual campuses established within DTI Negosyo Centers nationwide. With over 1,300 Negosyo Centers spanning 16 regions, this endeavor aims to facilitate accessibility to essential digital skills training.

DTI’s regional and provincial offices, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), will extend support to learners enrolled in the program. Through Coursera, an online course provider, qualified recipients nominated by the DTI will gain access to GCCs, with priority given to MSME owners and their staff, as well as individuals from underrepresented groups such as women, out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and the unemployed or underemployed.

Recognizing the Philippines’ potential for digital transformation, Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, reiterated Google’s commitment to the country’s digital development.

“We have invested actively in the country’s digital development. This includes digital skills training and digital infrastructure improvements. Our commitment has yielded significant economic benefits for the Philippines with our network investments alone that boosted the GDP by USD 14 billion and created 93,000 jobs. These outcomes motivate us to further deepen our collaboration with the Philippines and our efforts as a partner in building a robust digital economy.” Chadha said

With this collaboration between DTI and Google Philippines, the nation takes a positive step towards equipping its workforce with the tools necessary for success in the digital age. (ASC)